BEAMISH, The Living Museum of the North is set to screen multi-award-winning film Pride in its 1950s cinema on Saturday, 18th October.
The County Durham open air museum is working with Durham Pride and Durham Miners Association with OUT NE for the special screening of the 2014 film, with funding from Point North Community Fund. In addition, the Striking Times exhibition will be on display in the museum’s STEM learning space in The 1950s Town. Striking Times was created for the 25th anniversary of the 1984/85 Miners Strikes. The exhibition was the culmination of a project collecting memories from those who experienced the strikes, reflecting on their involvement and their feelings about the strike 25 years on.
“Beamish is really pleased to be working with Durham Pride and Durham Miners Association with OUT NE to show ‘Pride’ in our 1950s cinema. 40 years on from the end of the 1984/85 miners strikes, this true story of solidarity, friendship and communities united in pursuit of social justice still resonates today.”
The event by Durham Pride will be introduced by Peter Darrant, Chair of OUT NE, and the film introduced by Stephen Guy, Chair of the Durham Miners’ Association. Following the film, there will be an opportunity to meet Peter, Stephen and Beamish Museum’s Head of Industry Jonathan Kindleysides and ask them questions about the region’s mining heritage and the lasting impact on LGBT+ solidarity and unity.
Commenting on the event, Durham Pride Chair Mel Metcalf BEM said: “We’re thrilled to be marking 40 years since the end of the Miners’ Strike with this special screening of Pride in the wonderful 1950s cinema, a film that captures the spirit of unity and resilience so integral to our region’s heritage. Working in partnership with the Durham Miners’ Association, we hope to encourage reflection and conversation about the power of solidarity, both past and present.”
Durham Miners Association Chairman said: “Solidarity had no borders – the Durham Miners’ Association and Durham Pride share that truth at Beamish Museum with powerful story of Pride. A true story that reminds us that the fight for dignity is always stronger when we come together. I am excited to be part of such an exciting initiative taking place at an exceptional County Durham venue.”
Pride (certificate 15) showcases an unexpected alliance between gay rights campaigners and pit workers during the 1984 strike, marking a significant step for LGBT+ equality in the UK. Starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Paddy Considine, Pride was named best film at the British Independent Film Awards.
The screening will take place in the museum’s recreation of the Grand cinema which stood in Ryhope, Sunderland.
Thanks to funding from Point North Community Fund, the Pride screening is free, but tickets must be booked in advance via the Beamish Museum website, and a museum entry ticket is required. Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members can book a free cinema ticket at www.beamish.org.uk/pride-film, and those who don’t hold an annual pass can purchase a special community rate ticket via the same link, and explore the museum before the screening.
As well as enjoying the film, visitors can explore the rest of the open air museum, stepping back in time and experiencing the unforgettable sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the North East in the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.
Beamish was recently named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize.
The museum is also celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2025 and last year completed its Remaking Beamish project, the biggest development in its history, which included the recreation of a 1950s Town, developed with community input from people with firsthand knowledge of the original spaces.
Pride is a certificate 15. Tickets must not be purchased by or for those under the age of 15. We reserve the right to check id. Valid forms include passport, provisional or full driving licence, or digital id via an app such as Yoti.
